Willow Leaf Woes

[Jarroyo]

Hello All,

Brand new to the world and I’m trying to figure out what’s going on with my WLF. It’s been outside in Florida its entire life, watered appropriately, sun, the lot. I did repot and give it a trim a month ago (with a small adjustment a week ago).

However, leaves are turning yellow and dropping daily. New growth is being pushed out. I did see some webs two weeks and suspected mites and treated with Neem. Tried the paper test after a while and don’t see any anymore. Now I’m seeing some stippling. I’m attaching some photos for the knowledgeable among you to advise. I appreciate any any all help!

 

[Snorlax99]

Looks like thrips to me

 

[SFDrake]

How long did you do the neem? It takes a couple months with weekly treatments. You could also use an insecticidal soap. It's humid down here in Florida, so stay in front of the bugs as much as possible. Maybe a systemic?

 

[Jarroyo]

How long did you do the neem? It takes a couple months with weekly treatments. You could also use an insecticidal soap. It's humid down here in Florida, so stay in front of the bugs as much as possible. Maybe a systemic?

Definitely not long enough!

I’m thinking a systemic is the way to go. Feels like it’s been really testy since its repot and this is just another thing. I didn’t realize bugs would be a problem this quick…

 

[MHBonsai]

You have scale in this photo. Look close on all the branches and underside of leaves. Squish them all!

 

[Jarroyo]

You have scale in this photo. Look close on all the branches and underside of leaves. Squish them all!

View attachment 605218

So that’s what those are! Every so often I keep finding them but they don’t look like normal bugs even under a magnifying glass. I felt like a mad scientist. Will do!

 

[MHBonsai]

So that’s what those are! Every so often I keep finding them but they don’t look like normal bugs even under a magnifying glass. I felt like a mad scientist. Will do!

Do a little research on them. They can be very challenging to remove. They are hard to find in branches until you get an eye for them. They would cause most of the issues you mentioned above if you had a bad case.